So, yes.I am a woman of a certain age.
I don't quite know how I got to this age so quickly. I still think of this age as being my mother's age, not mine.
Nevertheless, here we are.
For the past couple of years I have been in the over 45 age bracket!
Me!
Wasn't I just 18 the other day?
Where did 28 go? What happened to 38?
When I was 18 I hated being one of the youngest in my year, but now, all my dear friends from school are turning 48 and I'm still a spring-chicken 47 for a few more months!
My 40's have been fabulous.
The best decade of my life so far.
Healthy, confident, happy.
Secure in love and work. Financially stable and strong.
At peace with my childhood demons.
What could possibly go wrong?
How about a raging irritability that comes from nowhere and is very uncharacteristic?
Some might say that this is just a normal reaction to living with two teenagers, but I knew it was more.
How about a changing body?
Just little things - internally and externally that were different to how I remembered.
How about a change in sleeping patterns, energy levels and concentration?
It took a chat with a slightly older friend to make me realise.....menopause.
Well, actually, not menopause, but peri-menopause.
Menopause is the end event.
Peri-menopause is the phase before that.
The teenage years in reverse; the reproductive cycle winding down.
Just like the teenage years, peri-menopause can be full of angst, hormonal changes and body changes.
Just like the teenage years, every woman will experience it differently. Different signs, symptoms and side-effects.
But thanks to comedienne Jean Kittson's refreshing book, I now feel prepared. I feel understood and accepted. I have lots of useful, practical information at my fingertips. I have a resource to dip in and out of when I need reassurance.
And I can have a good laugh at myself at the same time.
Bring it on!
This post is part of #AusReadingMonth, the Australian Women Writer's Challenge and #NonFicNov.
Great review with a sprinkle of humor!
ReplyDeleteWent through this phase of life...never felt a thing!
That's the kind of story I like to hear!! My mothers story is pretty awful, so I was pleased to read that hereditary issues are not a factor.
DeleteOutside of heat at night all pretty much ok here. Enjoyed the humour. My best years have been my 60,s.Wish I could stay this age for awhile, still have four to go. More happy years of talking to book lovers and reading. All the best ☺
ReplyDeleteI've been a little nervous about the fast approach of the 50's so delighted to hear it just keeps getting better!
DeleteI have always overheated quickly & have been a kicker-offer of the doona in the middle of the night even in winter since childhood...so I am curious to see if the hot flushes are the same/worse or bypass me all together.
Sadly, I might need to pick this up sooner rather than later!
ReplyDeleteShelleyrae @ Book'd Out
This book at least helps that feeling of impending dread we all fell, to not feel, well, so, dreadful!
DeleteGreat review!
ReplyDelete